The expiation for a vow is the same as the expiation for an oath

Explanation

The Prophet (ﷺ) clarified that the expiation for an unspecified vow—when a person makes a vow without defining what it is for—is the same as the expiation for breaking an oath.

Lessons

• The vow: According to the Shariah, it is when a religiously accountable person voluntarily obligates himself to perform an act of worship for the sake of Allah Almighty.
• The expiation for an oath is to feed ten poor people, clothe them, or free a slave. If one is unable to do any of these, then he must fast for three days.
• The wisdom behind the expiation is that a Muslim should respect the vow, avoid breaking it, and not make vows carelessly or habitually.
• Types of the vow: 1. Unspecified vow: For example, saying, "I vow to Allah if I am cured," and then saying nothing further or intending no specific act—in this case, upon being cured, he must offer the expiation of an oath. 2. Vow of obstinacy or anger: This is when one makes a conditional vow, intending to prevent or compel an action—for example, (If I speak to you, it is due upon me to fast for a month. Its ruling: the person has the choice between fulfilling what he vowed or expiating with the expiation of an oath if he did the act (speech). 3. Permissible vow: Such as "I vow to Allah that I will wear my garment." Its ruling: he may choose between wearing the garment or offering the expiation of an oath. 4. Disliked vow: Such as "I vow to Allah that I will divorce my wife." Its ruling: it is recommended that he expiate for it and not act upon the vow; if he acted upon it, no expiation is required. 5. Sinful vow: Such as "I vow to Allah that I will steal." Its ruling: it is forbidden to fulfill such a vow, and he must expiate with the expiation of an oath; if he fulfills it, he sins, but no expiation is due. 6. Vow of obedience: Such as "I vow to Allah that I will pray such-and-such," intending nearness to Allah. If he makes it conditional—for instance, upon the recovery of a sick person—he must fulfill it if the condition occurs. If it is unconditional, he must fulfill it unspecifically.